With the Restricted Burning Period officially underway until Saturday, November 30, the City of Gosnells is urging residents to prepare and ensure their properties are ‘bushfire-ready’ for the summer season.
47,000 Annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notices have been sent out from The City of Gosnells to property owners, outlining key steps to minimise the risk of bushfires.
Mayor Terresa Lynes believes everyone has a role to play in ensuring our community is prepared for the upcoming hot season.
“Minimising and preventing the spread of bushfires is a collective effort that requires everyone in the community to do their part to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season,” Mayor Lynes said.
“By taking crucial steps to reduce fire hazards on our properties and having an emergency action plan in place in the event of a fire, we can be in a better position to handle a worst-case scenario.”
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is urging the community to safely conduct planned burns during the current mild conditions in preparation for a potentially challenging bushfire season ahead for Perth.
This comes after last season’s increased intensity, during which firefighters responded to 5,088 bushfires between October 2023 and May 2024, 1,000 more than the previous year.
DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said it’s crucial that everyone plays their part to reduce bushfire risks and urges residents to register any planned burns to help decrease the number of false alarms to Triple Zero.
“Bushfires are inevitable in Western Australia, but planned burns can substantially reduce the intensity and speed. A well-planned burn could save your home; it’s that simple,” he said.
“If you light a fire to burn off, you own it.” – DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm
“Registering a planned burn is important and may avoid an unnecessary emergency response from career and volunteer firefighters.”
During the current Restricted Burning Period, City of Gosnells residents require a permit to carry out any planned burns on their property, which are free and can take up to three days to process before they are issued.
Fire permits can be applied for by contacting the city at 9397 3000 or online at gosnells.wa.gov.au/fire-permit.
Residents and property owners should ensure their land is clear of all flammable matter over 10 cm tall, including dry vegetation, shrubs, plants, cuttings, and other combustible materials.
Rural property owners have until November 30 to establish firebreaks that measure at least 3m wide and 4m high or to slash their land to clear flammable materials over 10 cm.
No burns or fires of any kind will be allowed during the Prohibited Burning Period, from Wednesday, December 1 to Monday, March 31, and depending on weather conditions, this period could be extended.
Non-compliance may lead to a fine of up to $5,000 under the Bush Fires Act 1954.
DFES recommends that when planning a burn, property owners assess weather conditions and inquire with their local government about any burning restrictions that may apply.
For more information and to view and download DFES’s Burn SMART resources, visit dfes.wa.gov.au/plannedburning.
